1. Type of project

Projects should involve the creation of new green infrastructure (GI) and green space resources, or the enhancement of existing resources.

Location:

For a project to attract Chalk Arc funding it must be all, or partly, within the Luton and South Bedfordshire area. To confirm whether your project falls within our area click here to see a drop-down of our map.

The Chalk Arc Team are especially interested in projects that fall within the priority zones indicated by this map - such green space projects will be favourably regarded by us.

Themes:

The basis on which grants are awarded is determined by whether or not such GI project proposals involve one or more of the following themes:

Public open space	Access	Biodiversity
Urban parks, country parks, community woodlands, village greens	Informal paths and bridleways, cycle routes, improvements for disabled access and improved signage to raise awareness	Habitats that benefit vulnerable species or enhance habitats (i.e. grassland, ponds, rivers or wetlands and woodland), or biodiversity interpretation
Heritage	Landscape	Community benefits
Historic features such as listed buildings, scheduled ancient monuments, historic parks and gardens, ancient woodlands, and earthworks	Projects that increase a ‘sense of place’ by conserving and enhancing any area’s distinctive features	Supporting local communities in protecting and enhancing their environment with training, equipment, wardening, events, workshops, and/or in exploiting this environment for health, wellbeing and/or enjoyment

Project ideas that match one or more of the above would more readily receive funding.

What must a project deliver?

All projects should contribute to the overall plan of delivering a network of high quality greenspaces and green infrastructure. Individual projects should deliver the components of this network. This will include:

• Developing large greenspace 'destination' sites for leisure, exploration and contact with nature
• Development of local greenspaces for people, biodiversity and/or heritage
• Development of green access routes to connect communities with greenspaces

All projects must be completed within the funding period, i.e. from spring 2008 to the end of March 2011. At the time your grant is approved we will stipulate your project delivery timetable.

The fund is for capital projects only. However, an element of funding dedicated to the management of new greenspace infrastructure may be included.

An example

The Team contributed to the purchase of the Totternhoe lime and stone quarry as a basis for creating the Landpark Wood.

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